Bio

I work with adults across the continuum of psychiatric care, from people requiring psychiatric hospitalization to people who feel stuck in an area of their life. In treatment, I use various medical interventions including psychotherapy, psychiatric medication, psychedelic psychotherapy (currently with Ketamine only), electroconvulsive therapy and other practices such as yoga and meditation.

I have enjoyed being a member of BPA since 2009, working in different settings and with a range of acuity, a diverse population and thoughtful colleagues who offer high quality care. Because we have multiple services, we can help people choose the type of treatment and intervention that is right for the individual.

One of my practice areas is Ketamine Therapy. Ketamine is a flexible tool that can be used for treatment resistant depression, suicidality, or for transformational work in an expanded state of consciousness that allows for psychological insight, trauma processing, and relief from habitual states of mind and emotion that enables cognitive and behavioral change.

During Ketamine therapy, people are in vulnerable and suggestible states, so it is essential to chose a clinic and a provider where you feel comfortable, safe, and supported throughout the experience.

Before studying medicine, I completed a PhD in Social Anthropology at Harvard University. I worked with nomads and war refugees in Kenya, Eritrea, Egypt, and Italy and wrote a dissertation on trauma narrative and resilience. Then I completed a Master’s of Science and an MD through the Joint Medical Program at UC Berkeley and UCSF.

Afterwards, I did a psychiatric residency at UCSF, was a fellow in the American Psychoanalytic Association. Then I studied Psychedelic Psychotherapy through the CIIS Certificate in Psychedelic Therapy and Research to learn how to assist people in using expanded states for therapeutic benefit.

I grew up on a peninsula south of Los Angeles and have lived in New England and New Mexico. I studied music and sang in the San Francisco Bach Choir for many years and have an interest in sound healing. Personally, I enjoy dance, scuba diving, and travel.

Awards & Distinctions

Duke University Visiting Fellowship in ECT
American Psychoanalytic Association Fellow 2008-2009
Rosalyn Lindheim Award in Environmental Design and Public Health
UC Berkeley Human Rights Center Fellowship
Minda De Gunzberg Fellowship for European Studies
Fulbright IIE Fellowship
Harvard Award for Distinction in Teaching
UCSF Teaching Award

Memberships

American Psychiatric Association
American Psychoanalytic Association
International Network of Integrative Mental Health
Northern California Psychiatric Society

Education

Graduate Education

Harvard University, Ph.D

Medical School

University of California, San Francisco

Residency

UCSF Medical Center Moffitt-Long Hospitals